DOCSLIB.ORG

Read the Impact Assessment

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Read the Impact Assessment EUROPEAN COMMISSION Brussels, 7.6.2018 SWD(2018) 259 final /2 This document corrects document SWD(2018) 259 final of 25.05.2018. The annexes were not included. The text shall read as follows: COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT Accompanying the document Proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 92/83/EEC on the harmonization of the structures of excise duties on alcohol and alcoholic beverages {COM(2018) 334 final} - {SEC(2018) 254 final} - {SWD(2018) 258 final} EN EN CONTENTS 1. Introduction and Context .......................................................................................................... 4 1.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 4 1.2. Scope for reforms ....................................................................................................................... 5 2. What is the problem and why is it a problem? ......................................................................... 5 2.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 5 2.2. Scope of the problems................................................................................................................ 6 2.3. Problem 1 - Dysfunctions in the application of exemptions for denatured alcohol .................. 6 2.4. Problem 2 – Dysfunctions in the classification of certain alcoholic beverages ........................10 2.5. Problem 3 – Dysfunctional application of reduced rates .........................................................18 2.6. Problem 4 – Unclear provisions to measure the Plato degree of sweetened / flavoured beer23 2.7. Conclusion ................................................................................................................................26 3. Why should the EU act? ......................................................................................................... 26 4. What should be achieved? ...................................................................................................... 27 4.1. General objectives ....................................................................................................................27 4.2. Specific objectives ....................................................................................................................28 5. What are the various options to achieve the objectives? ........................................................ 28 5.1. Link between problems/drivers and options ...........................................................................28 5.2. Dysfunctions in the application of exemptions for denatured alcohol ....................................31 5.3. Dysfunctions in the classification of certain alcoholic beverages ............................................33 5.4. Dysfunctional application of reduced rates .............................................................................37 5.5. Measurement of Plato degree for sweetened / flavoured beer ..............................................39 6. What are the impacts of the different policy options and who will be affected? ................... 40 6.1. Dysfunctions in the application of exemptions for denatured alcohol ....................................41 6.2. Dysfunctions in the classification of certain alcoholic beverages ............................................42 6.3. Dysfunctional application of reduced rates .............................................................................46 6.4. Unclear provisions to measure of Plato degree for sweetened / flavoured beer ...................48 7. How do the options compare? ................................................................................................ 50 7.1. Dysfunctions in the application of exemptions for denatured alcohol ....................................50 7.2. Dysfunctions in the classification of certain alcoholic beverages ............................................53 7.3. Dysfunctional application of reduced rates .............................................................................58 7.4. Unclear provisions to measure Plato degree for sweetened / flavoured beer ........................61 7.5. Summary of preferred package of options ..............................................................................63 8. REFIT (simplification and improved efficiency) ................................................................... 65 8.1. Context, methodology and constraints ....................................................................................65 9. How would actual impacts be monitored and evaluated? ...................................................... 68 10. ANNEXES ............................................................................................................................. 70 ANNEX 1. Procedural Information ........................................................................................ 70 1 ANNEX 2. Synopsis report – Stakeholder consultation ......................................................... 77 ANNEX 3. Who is affected by the initiative and how ............................................................ 90 ANNEX 4. Analytical Models used in preparing the Impact Assessment ............................. 95 ANNEX 5. Council Conclusions (6 December 2016) ............................................................ 98 ANNEX 6. Drivers of the dysfunctions in the application of exemptions for denatured alcohol 101 ANNEX 7. Classification of alcoholic beverages ................................................................. 105 ANNEX 8. Drivers of the dysfunctions in the classification of certain alcoholic beverages 113 ANNEX 9. Tax, affordability and consumption ................................................................... 116 ANNEX 9A Excerpt from Annex 6a of the external evaluation (by Ramboll) ..................... 123 ANNEX 10. Reduced rates for other small producers ............................................................ 132 ANNEX 11. Driver of the dysfunctional application of reduced rates ................................... 142 ANNEX 12. Driver of the unclear provisions to measure the Plato degree of sweetened / flavoured beer 143 ANNEX 13. Methodology for measuring the Plato degree .................................................... 144 ANNEX 14. Country-specific analysis of impacts of policy options for measuring Plato degree in sweetened/flavoured beer ..................................................................................................... 147 ANNEX 15. Assessment of the impact on the market of the re-classification of certain products 153 ANNEX 16. Problems that will not be addressed within this impact assessment .................. 159 ANNEX 17. Comparison of impacts of alternative options ................................................... 160 ANNEX 18. Monitoring and Evaluation of Impacts .............................................................. 168 2 ABBREVIATIONS ABV Actual Alcoholic Strength by Volume AFC Alcohol as a Flavour-Carrier AWP Aromatised Wine Products BTI Binding Tariff Information CDA Completely Denatured Alcohol CJEU Court of Justice of the European Union CN Combined Nomenclature CNEN Combined Nomenclature Explanatory Note(s) EMCS Excise Movement and Control System EPC Excise Product Code ET Ethyl Alcohol EU European Union FPG Fiscalis Project Group hl Hectolitre IP Intermediate Products ITEG Indirect Tax Expert Group mn Million MS Member State(s) OFB Other Fermented Beverages OPC Open Public Consultation PDA Partially Denatured Alcohol REFIT Regulatory Fitness and Performance Programme SME Small and Medium-sized Enterprise TFEU Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union WHO World Health Organisation 3 1. INTRODUCTION AND CONTEXT 1.1. Introduction The European Commission is committed to preventing trade distortions in the single market, ensuring fair competition between businesses, and reducing administrative burdens and compliance costs for businesses and tax administrations. The launch of the single market resulted in the abolition of tax controls at the borders between Member States (MS) and the adoption of common rules for excise products, including alcohol, to facilitate cross-border trade and to prevent competitive distortions. Excise duties for alcohol are regulated through two directives: Directive 92/84/EEC1 on the approximation of the rates of excise duty on alcohol and alcoholic beverages sets out the minimum rates of excise duty on alcohol products. Directive 92/83/EEC on the structures of excise duty on alcohol and alcoholic beverages sets out the common rules on the structures of excise duty applied to alcohol and alcoholic beverages. This directive defines and classifies the different types of alcohol and alcoholic beverages, according to their characteristics, and provides a legal framework for reduced rates, exemptions and derogations in some sectors. In addition to these directives, Directive 2008/118/EC2 sets out the common provisions, which apply to all products subject to excise duties. This directive is currently under review in a separate proposal. Furthermore, businesses must adhere to other EU legislation, which regulates areas such as product definitions, labelling etc. Both alcohol Directives have failed to keep pace with developments including inflation. In 2006 in response to a request
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Beer Excise Duties and Market Concentration1
    A Service of Leibniz-Informationszentrum econstor Wirtschaft Leibniz Information Centre Make Your Publications Visible. zbw for Economics Loretz, Simon; Oberhofer, Harald Working Paper "When helping the small hurts the middle": Beer excise duties and market concentration Working Papers in Economics and Finance, No. 2014-05 Provided in Cooperation with: Department of Social Sciences and Economics, University of Salzburg Suggested Citation: Loretz, Simon; Oberhofer, Harald (2014) : "When helping the small hurts the middle": Beer excise duties and market concentration, Working Papers in Economics and Finance, No. 2014-05, University of Salzburg, Department of Social Sciences and Economics, Salzburg This Version is available at: http://hdl.handle.net/10419/122169 Standard-Nutzungsbedingungen: Terms of use: Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Documents in EconStor may be saved and copied for your Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden. personal and scholarly purposes. Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle You are not to copy documents for public or commercial Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich purposes, to exhibit the documents publicly, to make them machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen. publicly available on the internet, or to distribute or otherwise use the documents in public. Sofern die Verfasser die Dokumente unter Open-Content-Lizenzen (insbesondere CC-Lizenzen) zur Verfügung gestellt haben sollten, If the documents have been made available under an Open gelten abweichend von diesen Nutzungsbedingungen die in der dort Content Licence (especially Creative Commons Licences), you genannten Lizenz gewährten Nutzungsrechte. may exercise further usage rights as specified in the indicated licence. www.econstor.eu WHEN HELPING THE SMALL HURTS THE MIDDLE: BEER EXCISE DUTIES AND MARKET CONCENTRATION SIMON LORETZ AND HARALD OBERHOFER WORKING PAPER NO.
    [Show full text]
  • Invitation to Listening and Sharing
    www.austriaclubwa.com www.austrianconsulateseattle.org WA Chapter Rosemarie Mulholland, President Eva Kammel, Hon. Consul of Austria Michael Brandstetter [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Dear Friends of Austria! October 20, 2020 The times we are living in right now, confronted with propaganda that divides and discriminates, invite us to ponder and reflect. The social isolation imposed on us by the pandemic caused by Covid-19 reveals in stark terms how important family and friends are and how much we miss them. Among them are the regular events and get-togethers of the Austrian community here in the Pacific Northwest. In preparation for the Austrian-American Day and the Austrian National Holiday 2020 we launched the project: INVITATION TO LISTENING AND SHARING Describe your hometown how you remember it and what prompted you to move away Each and every contribution submitted is wonderful and cherished by all of us while reading and reflecting on them. They are moving and thoughtful, some of them funny, others sober. They are stemming from times reaching back to WWII up to recent years. In all of them we can find something that relates also to our own situation and how our lives are enriched by our Austrian roots. These are lasting memories living on well beyond any Covid interruption. We want to express a big THANK YOU to all who contributed. Your stories are bringing us closer together and reminding us of how much we have in common. Enjoy reading! Thank you for your friendship! Rosie Mulholland Eva Kammel Michael Brandstetter With support from Elana Sabajon, Eva Donahoo, and Jürgen Schatzer Instructions for access to the electronic version: http://www.austrianconsulateseattle.org -> scroll down to "Project Listening and Sharing" -> click on red link.
    [Show full text]
  • Efes Breweries International N.V
    BOWNE OF LONDON 10/14/2004 19:56 NO MARKS NEXT PCN: 002.00.00.00 -- Page/graphics valid 10/14/2004 19:57BOT U47471 001.00.00.00 82 EFES BREWERIES INTERNATIONAL N.V. 6.B.1 (A public limited liability company incorporated in The Netherlands) 6.B.2 6.B.6 Global Offering of 38,287,250 Ordinary Shares in the form of Global Depositary Receipts 6.B.5(a) 6.B.15(b) Offer Price: US$23.25 per Global Depositary Receipt 6.B.15(d)i 38,287,250 ordinary shares, each with a nominal value of 01.00 per share (the ‘‘Shares’’), of Efes Breweries International N.V. (the ‘‘Company’’), a 6.B.16 public limited liability company incorporated in The Netherlands, are being offered, in the form of global depositary receipts (‘‘GDRs’’), each GDR 6.B.17 representing an interest in five Shares, by the Company and by certain selling shareholders of the Company named on page 71 (the ‘‘Selling 6.C.2 Shareholders’’). 6.P.7 The offering consists of (a) an offering (the ‘‘U.S. Offering’’) to certain ‘‘qualified institutional buyers’’ (each a ‘‘QIB’’) as defined in Rule l44A 3.22(a) (‘‘Rule l44A’’) under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘‘Securities Act’’), in the United States of GDRs (the ‘‘Rule l44A GDRs’’) in reliance on Rule l44A; and (b) an offering (the ‘‘International Offering’’ and, together with the U.S. Offering, the ‘‘Offering’’) outside the United States to non-US persons of GDRs (the ‘‘Regulation S GDRs’’) in reliance on Regulation S (‘‘Regulation S’’) under the Securities Act.
    [Show full text]
  • Parks Denatured Alcohol
    Material Safety Data Sheet Section 1 General Information Manufacturer: Zinsser Company, Inc. 173 Belmont Drive Somerset, NJ 08875 (732) 469-8100 Emergency Telephone: Chemtrec (800) 424-9300 Date: December 1, 2006 Product Name: Parks Denatured Alcohol Codes: 002121 002122 002123 002125 Section 2 Hazardous Ingredients OSHA ACGIH Hazardous Component CAS# PEL TLV Ethanol 64-17-5 1000 ppm 1000 ppm Methanol 67-56-1 200 ppm 200 ppm 250 ppm STEL Methyl Isobutyl Ketone 108-10-1 100 ppm 50 ppm 75 ppm STEL Ethyl Acetate 141-78-6 400 ppm 400 ppm Rubber Solvent 64742-89-8 500 ppm 400 ppm Section 3 Hazard Identification Emergency Overview: This product is a clear liquid with a characteristic smell and flash point of 41oF. Primary Routes of Exposure: Skin Contact Eye Contact Inhalation Potential Acute Health Effects: Eye: Contact may cause eye irritation. N/A: Not Applicable N/D: Not Determined N/E: Not Established N/R: Not Required Est.: Estimated Parks Denatured Alcohol (12-01-06) Page 1 of 6 pages. Skin: May cause skin irritation. Repeated or prolonged contact with skin may cause dermatitis. Ingestion: May be fatal or cause blindness if swallowed. Inhalation: May cause respiratory tract irritation. Potential Chronic Health Effects: Signs and Symptoms: Prolonged exposure to excessive concentrations of ethanol may result in irritation of mucous membranes, headache, drowsiness, fatigue and narcosis. Methanol is also narcotic in effect and its effects are cumulative. Overexposure to methanol can result in acidosis and visual disturbances which may progress to permanent loss of vision. (See also Sections 4, 8, and 11for related information) Section 4 First Aid Measures Eye contact: Immediately flush eyes with water for at least 15 minutes.
    [Show full text]
  • Non-Beverage Alcohol Consumption & Harm Reduction Trends
    Non-beverage Alcohol Consumption & Harm Reduction Trends A Report for the Thunder Bay Drug Strategy Prepared by Kim Ongaro HBSW Placement Lakehead University June 15, 2017 Non-beverage Alcohol Consumption & Harm Reduction Trends What is non-beverage alcohol? Non-beverage alcohol can go by many names in the literature. Broadly, it is understood to be liquids containing a form of alcohol that is not intended for human consumption (e.g., mouthwash, hand sanitizer, etc.) that are consumed instead of beverage alcohol for the purposes of intoxication or a “high” (Crabtree, Latham, Bird, & Buxton, 2016; Egbert, Reed, Powell, Liskow, & Liese, 1985). Within the literature, there are different definitions for non- beverage alcohols, including surrogate alcohol, illicit alcohol and unrecorded alcohol. Unrecorded alcohol, as defined by the World Health Organization, is untaxed alcohol outside of government regulation including legal or illegal homemade alcohol, alcohol that is smuggled from an outside country (and therefore is not tracked by its sale within the country of consumption), and alcohol of the “surrogate” nature (World Health Organization Indicator and Measurement Registry, 2011). Surrogate alcohol is alcohol that is not meant for human consumption, and is generally apparent as high concentrations of ethanol in mouthwash, hand sanitizers, and other household products (Lachenmeier, Rehm, & Gmel, 2007; World Health Organization Indicator and Measurement Registry, 2011). Surrogate alcohols also include substances containing methanol, isopropyl alcohol, and ethylene glycol (Lachenmeier et al., 2007). Nonbeverage alcohol and surrogate alcohol can be used interchangeably, but Lachenmeier et al., (2007), goes even further to include alcohol that is homemade in their definition of surrogate alcohol, as they stated that this alcohol is sometimes created using some form of non-beverage alcohol.
    [Show full text]
  • Juniper Beer in Poland: the Story of the Revival of a Traditional Beverage
    Juniper Beer in Poland: The Story of the Revival of a Traditional Beverage Author(s): Tomasz Madej , Ewa Pirożnikow , Jarosław Dumanowski , and Łukasz Łuczaj Source: Journal of Ethnobiology, 34(1):84-103. 2014. Published By: Society of Ethnobiology DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2993/0278-0771-34.1.84 URL: http://www.bioone.org/doi/full/10.2993/0278-0771-34.1.84 BioOne (www.bioone.org) is a nonprofit, online aggregation of core research in the biological, ecological, and environmental sciences. BioOne provides a sustainable online platform for over 170 journals and books published by nonprofit societies, associations, museums, institutions, and presses. Your use of this PDF, the BioOne Web site, and all posted and associated content indicates your acceptance of BioOne’s Terms of Use, available at www.bioone.org/page/ terms_of_use. Usage of BioOne content is strictly limited to personal, educational, and non-commercial use. Commercial inquiries or rights and permissions requests should be directed to the individual publisher as copyright holder. BioOne sees sustainable scholarly publishing as an inherently collaborative enterprise connecting authors, nonprofit publishers, academic institutions, research libraries, and research funders in the common goal of maximizing access to critical research. Journal of Ethnobiology 34(1): 84–103 2014 JUNIPER BEER IN POLAND: THE STORY OF THE REVIVAL OF A TRADITIONAL BEVERAGE Tomasz Madej,1 Ewa Piroz_nikow,2 Jarosław Dumanowski,3 and Łukasz Łuczaj4 Low-alcohol beverages made of juniper pseudo-fruits were once common in parts of northern and northeastern Poland. The aim of this article is to investigate the history of juniper beer production, its role in local communities, changes in recipes, and signs of revival of the tradition.
    [Show full text]
  • 9570/18 ADD 1 REV 1 PR/Cs DGG 2B EN
    Council of the European Union Brussels, 8 June 2018 (OR. en) 9570/18 Interinstitutional File: ADD 1 REV 1 2018/0173 (CNS) FISC 238 ECOFIN 546 IA 164 COVER NOTE No. Cion doc.: SWD(2018) 259 final/2 Subject: COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT Accompanying the document Proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 92/83/EEC on the harmonization of the structures of excise duties on alcohol and alcoholic beverages Delegations will find attached document SWD(2018) 259 final/2. Encl.: SWD(2018) 259 final/2 9570/18 ADD 1 REV 1 PR/cs DGG 2B EN EUROPEAN COMMISSION Brussels, 7.6.2018 SWD(2018) 259 final /2 This document corrects document SWD(2018) 259 final of 25.05.2018. The annexes were not included. The text shall read as follows: COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT IMPACT ASSESSMENT Accompanying the document Proposal for a Council Directive amending Directive 92/83/EEC on the harmonization of the structures of excise duties on alcohol and alcoholic beverages {COM(2018) 334 final} - {SEC(2018) 254 final} - {SWD(2018) 258 final} EN EN CONTENTS 1. Introduction and Context .......................................................................................................... 4 1.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................ 4 1.2. Scope for reforms ....................................................................................................................... 5 2. What is the problem and why is it a problem? ........................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Safety Data Sheet Denatured Alcohol
    Safety Data Sheet Denatured Alcohol SECTION I - IDENTIFICATION PRODUCT NAME: Denatured Alcohol PRODUCT CODE: 6210 PRODUCT USE: Industrial Cleaner COMPANY NAME: QuestVapco Corporation COMPANY ADDRESS: PO Box 624 Brenham, TX 77834 COMPANY PHONE: 1-800-231-0454 EMERGENCY PHONE: 800-255-3924 SECTION II – HAZARDS IDENTIFICATION CLASSIFICATION: Flammable Liquid: Category 2 Skin Irritant: Category 2 Eye Irritant: Category 2A HAZARD STATEMENT(S): Danger: Highly flammable liquid and vapor Causes skin and serious eye irritation. This product contains the following percentage of chemicals of unknown toxicity: 0% PRECAUTIONARY STATEMENTS: Keep away from heat, sparks, open flames, and hot surfaces. -No smoking. Keep container tightly closed. Wear protective gloves and eye protection. If on skin (or hair): Take off immediately all contaminated clothing and wash it before reuse. Rinse skin with water or shower. If skin irritation occurs: Get medical advice or attention. If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes. Remove contact lenses, if present and easy to do. Continue rinsing. If eye irritation persists: Get medical advice or attention. In case of fire use dry chemical, foam, or carbon dioxide. Store in a well- ventilated place. Keep cool. Dispose of contents and container in accordance with local, state, and national regulations. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. For large quantities: Ground or bond container and receiving equipment. Use explosion-proof electrical, ventilating, and lighting equipment. Use only non-sparking tools. Take precautionary measures against static discharge. SYMBOL: HAZARDS NOT OTHERWISE CLASSIFIED: N/A SECTION III – COMPOSITION/INFORMATION ON INGREDIENTS HAZARDOUS INGREDIENT CAS NUMBER PERCENT Ethyl Alcohol 64-17-5 60%-100% Isopropyl Alcohol 67-63-0 3-7% SECTION IV - FIRST AID MEASURES EYES: If in eyes: Rinse cautiously with water for several minutes.
    [Show full text]
  • Brewing a Better World“, Brau Union Österreich Is Working to Enhance Austrian Beer Culture While Meeting Modern Social and Environmental Challenges
    SUSTAIN ABILITY REPORT ––2015 FOREWORD –– WHY Dear Readers, SUSTAINABILITY We would like to invite you to look more deeply into the sustain- ability activities of Brau Union Österreich. This information is IS SO intended to show you how important this subject is to us. It has long been a tradition to utilize practices in production and logis- IMPORTANT tics to conserve resources. Protecting the environment is close to our heart, and not the least because beer, our most import- TO US ant product, is a natural beverage and is only as good as the raw material used to make it. Clear, pure water, the best hops and the best malting barley all require a healthy and intact environment. __ Climate change also affects our operations: growing condi- tions for summer barley are becoming less optimal in various agricultural regions. This is why we have decided to increase our use of winter malting barley in order to reduce the risk of failed crops. In addition, we have secured our supply of Austrian hops from the Mühlviertel and southern Styria with contracts for se- veral years. As part of the international HEINEKEN family, we share the motto “Brewing a Better World“, Brau Union Österreich is working to enhance Austrian beer culture while meeting modern social and environmental challenges. In doing so, we follow recognized international standards such as the UN Global Compact. 02 BRAU UNION ÖSTERREICH – SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2015 As a strong emphasis is placed on sustainability in all depart- Naturally we are proud of this accomplishment; however, we ments, numerous projects were implemented in 2015 at our are not stopping with this success, but will continue to imple- brewing facilities and logistics centers with a significant impact ment further measures at all of our locations.
    [Show full text]
  • Blackcurrant Berliner Weisse Beer Was Inaugurated in Poland in Mid-July
    Blackcurrant growers have started collaborating with craft brewers in Poland SALAMANDER Blackcurrant Berliner Weisse beer was inaugurated in Poland in mid-July. The beer is a mix of a traditional, historical style - a clear, acidic, light and refreshing Berliner Weisse, fermented with lactic acid bacteria, with an addition of blackcurrants. The beer is the outcome of collaboration between the National Blackcurrant Growers Association (KSPCP) and Browar Stu Mostów brewery. For the first time in Poland, the project joins the forces of a trade organization of producers and a craft brewery. The aim is to promote the potential of collaboration between brewers and growers. “This is a meeting of two powerful industries. Together we can do interesting things, make interesting beers that will delight gourmet palates in Poland and abroad. By joining forces, we can develop a product that nobody else can make” says Jakub Ośródek of the National Blackcurrant Growers Association. “In addition to the colour, the flavour and the aroma, blackcurrant also adds extra acidity. Beers of this kind are gaining popularity, with the Berliner Weisse style going through a real revival. This is a trend we should take advantage of” claims Mateusz Gulej, Chief Brewer of the Browar Stu Mostów brewery. “Talented brewers and competent fruit growers are already the trademark feature of Polish exports. Craft beer is a good partner for currants and berries” sums up Piotr Baryła, the President of the National Blackcurrant Growers Association. “There are already over 150 craft breweries in Poland, and soon there will be 200. Let's work together. Craft brewing needs top quality fruit and competence in the selection of varieties” say Arletta and Grzegorz Ziemian, founders of the first craft brewery in Wrocław for many years.
    [Show full text]
  • Surrogate Alcohol: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go?
    Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research Vol. 31, No. 10 October 2007 Surrogate Alcohol: What Do We Know and Where Do We Go? Dirk W. Lachenmeier, Ju¨rgen Rehm, and Gerhard Gmel Background: Consumption of surrogate alcohols (i.e., nonbeverage alcohols and illegally pro- duced alcohols) was shown to impact on different causes of death, not only poisoning or liver dis- ease, and appears to be a major public health problem in Russia and elsewhere. Methods: A computer-assisted literature review on chemical composition and health conse- quences of ‘‘surrogate alcohol’’ was conducted and more than 70 references were identified. A wider definition of the term ‘‘surrogate alcohol’’ was derived, including both nonbeverage alcohols and illegally produced alcohols that contain nonbeverage alcohols. Results: Surrogate alcohol may contain substances that cause severe health consequences including death. Known toxic constituents include lead, which may lead to chronic toxicity, and methanol, which leads to acute poisoning. On the other hand, the role of higher alcohols (e.g., propanol, isobutanol, and isoamyl alcohol) in the etiology of surrogate-associated diseases is cur- rently unclear. Whether other constituents of surrogates have contributed to the high all-cause mortality over and above the effect of ethanol in recent studies also remains unclear. Conclusions: Given the high public health importance associated with the consumption of sur- rogate alcohols, further knowledge on its chemical composition is required as well as research on its links to various disease endpoints should be undertaken with priority. Some interventions to reduce the harm resulting from surrogate alcohol could be undertaken already at this point.
    [Show full text]
  • Beer in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance This Page Intentionally Left Blank Beer in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance
    Beer in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance This page intentionally left blank Beer in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance Richard W. Unger University of Pennsylvania Press Philadelphia Copyright ᭧ 2004 University of Pennsylvania Press All rights reserved Printed in the United States of America on acid-free paper 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 First paperback edition 2007 Published by University of Pennsylvania Press Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-4112 Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Unger, Richard W. Beer in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance / Richard W. Unger. p. cm. Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN-13: 978-0-8122-1999-9 (pbk. : alk. paper) ISBN-10: 0-8122-1999-6 (pbk : alk. paper) 1. Beer—Europe—History—To 1500. 2. Beer—Europe—History—To 1500—16th century. 3. Brewing industry—Europe—History—To 1500. 4. Brewing industry—Europe—History— 16th century. I. Title. TP577.U54 2003 641.2Ј3Ј0940902—dc22 2004049630 For Barbara Unger Williamson and Clark Murray Williamson This page intentionally left blank Contents List of Illustrations ix List of Tables xi Preface xiii List of Abbreviations xvii Introduction: Understanding the History of Brewing Early Medieval Brewing Urbanization and the Rise of Commercial Brewing Hopped Beer, Hanse Towns, and the Origins of the Trade in Beer The Spread of Hopped Beer Brewing: The Northern Low Countries The Spread of Hopped Beer Brewing: The Southern Low Countries, England, and Scandinavia The Mature Industry: Levels of Production The Mature Industry: Levels of Consumption The Mature Industry: Technology The Mature Industry: Capital Investment and Innovation Types of Beer and Their International Exchange viii Contents Taxes and Protection Guilds, Brewery Workers, and Work in Breweries Epilogue: The Decline of Brewing Appendix: On Classification and Measurement Notes Bibliography Index Illustrations .
    [Show full text]